The Vernon Middle School Band has grown tremendously in the last couple of years, and with growth has come the successes.
The band recently made their mark in Vernon history by earning a total of 24 chair positions at the All City Band Auditions on Nov. 13. It is the highest number the campus has ever received, and is more than double the number of chairs awarded eight years ago. Of the chairs given, five were awarded first chair, five were second chair, five were third chair, and three were fourth chairs and a fifth chair position.
“I was nervous before the competition but once I finished trying out, I was very excited and confident that I won”, said Vivian Lopez, 8th grade tenor saxophone player and first chair recipient.
The program currently has a little more than 200 students enrolled, and their achievements can be attributed to their willingness to practice and work hard, said Keith Disantis, head director of the VMS band. He adds, that his students are very dedicated in improving their musical skills.
Recently, the Vernon band hall added additional space through renovations. The extra area will allow the program to split the bands to focus on the students’ specialized instrument, and bring the opportunity to allow more students to enter the program.
If their recent achievements are any indication of the future of the Vernon band, there is no stopping the program towards further success.With the excitement from their recent achievement still present, students have already begun to prepare for the All Region Band Auditions on Jan. 19.
Vernon All City Band Results:
Flute
Evalyne Ramirez 8th grade 1st chair
Shian De Leon 8th grade 2nd chair
Zoe Reyna 7th grade 3rd chair
Gabby Rodriguez 8th grade 8th chair
Carlota Cruz 8th grade 9th chair
Mia Rodriguez *Alternate
Bassoon
Noe Munoz 8th grade 1st chair
Clarinet
Anaid Hernandez 8th grade 1st chair
Natalie De La Cruz 7th grade 4th chair
Clarissa De La Rosa 8th grade 9th chair
Ernesto Asebedo 8th grade 10th chair
Angel Zecaida 8th grade *Alternate
Bass Clarinet
Deisy Cardiel 8th grade 2nd chair
Jessica Hernandez 8th grade 3rd chair
Alto Saxophone
Jesus Rodriguez 7th grade 2nd chair
Aaron Zapata 7th grade 4th chair
Tenor Saxophone
Vivian Lopez 8th grade 1st chair
Cornet
Abram Alaniz 8th grade 2nd chair
Devin Porras 8th grade 7th chair
French Horn
Sammy Infante 8th grade 3rd chair
Baritone
Elias Sifuentes 8th grade 1st chair
Joe Gonzalez 8th grade 3rd chair
Tuba
Adrian Huerta 8th grade 3rd chair
Ricardo Reyes 8th grade 4th chair
Percussion
Mariela Ramirez 8th grade 2nd chair
Isaac Alvarado 8th grade 5th chair
